Sheriff Leon Lott says that Tobin Barton, 36, was arrested following an assault call around 1 a.m. Saturday near Sparkleberry Lane. Lott stays that Barton and his girlfriend were involved in a verbal alteration, and Barton assaulted the victim by grabbing her around the throat.

It was determined that Barton is a Police Officer with the City of Columbia.

Barton was arrested and transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Jennifer Timmons with the Columbia Police Department says Barton has been suspended without pay.